States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Materials:

• water
• food coloring (optional)
• 3+ zip-lock bags
• solid object(s) (ball, crayon, toy top, etc.)

Directions

Part 1

• Hold up a zip-lock bag with a solid object inside. Introduce the term SOLID.
• Have children observe by looking at and feeling the object.
• Ask:  Does a solid take up space? (yes)  keep its size? (yes) keep its shape? (yes)  have weight? (yes)
• Ask for more examples of solids.
• Write down properties and examples on a chart or board. 

 

Part 2

• Hold up a zip-lock bag with water inside. Introduce the term LIQUID.
• Have children observe the water.
• Ask:  Does a liquid take up space? (yes)  keep its size? (yes) keep its shape? (no)  have weight? (yes)
• Turn the zip lock bag so the kids can see that the liquid changes shape.
• Pour the water into a cup so the kids can see that a liquid takes the shape of its container.
• Ask for more examples of liquids.
• Write down properties and examples on a chart or board. 

Part 3

• Hold up an empty zip-lock bag. Blow into the bag and seal it.
• Ask: What is in the bag? (air)
• Have children observe the bag filled with air.
• Introduce the term GAS.
• Ask:  Does the gas take up space? (yes) keep its size? (no)  keep its shape? (no)  have weight? (yes)
• Ask for more examples of gases.
• Write down properties and examples on a chart or board. 

Part 4

• Review the 3 states of matter using the chart or board.
• Have children sketch and label  pictures of solids, liquids, and gases. They should include at least 2 examples of each state of matter.

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